It's been a challenging few weeks for Ohio coach Eric Schumacher who has been trying to finalize his roster as quickly as possible.
The coaches and players report to Bethany College today for the start of training camp for the 67th annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic, which will be held in one week at Wheeling Island Stadium.
Schumacher announced his defensive backfield and placekicker for the contest against West Virginia.
''In the secondary, we've got some kids who move well and they're good against both the run and pass,'' Schumacher said. ''Their coverage skills are really good and that will be something we certainly hope to use to our advantage.''
As for the kicker, Martins Ferry's Richie Padyjasek was chosen and it wasn't a tough pick for Schumacher and his staff.
''He's one of the best kickers around, and I hope he kicks it in the end zone every time,'' Schumacher said. ''A good kicker is imperative in an all-star game and we feel we have the best available.''
Here's a capsule look at the players who returned their data sheets:
JOSH DAVIS, Bellaire - This former Big Red had an impressive season on both sides of the ball for Coach Jose Davis' squad last season.
The 5-foot-9, 155-pounder was a standout at running back and linebacker for the Big Reds. He had an interception return of 100 yards for a touchdown.
For his campaign, he was a second team all-Ohioan and All-OVAC performer.
Along with football, Davis was a standout in wrestling, qualifying for the Division III state tournament three times. He was also a track and field regional qualifier.
Josh, who is the son of Jim and Jodie Davis of Bellaire, is undecided about his future plans.
CHASE GARAN, St. Clairsville - This former Red Devil was a standout on both sides of the ball for Coach Brett McLean's squad.
The 5-10, 165-pounder had 61 tackles, five pass break ups and two tackles for loss. On the offensive side, he made 17 catches for 310 yards and two scores.
Garan, who served as team captain, was his team's Most Improved Player, special mention all-Eastern District and he won Most Electrifying Play of the Year through WTOV-9.
Chase, who plans on attending West Virginia University, is the son of Ken and Jami Garan of St. Clairsville.
RICHIE PADYJASEK, Martins Ferry - This former Purple Rider handled all of the kicking duties for Coach Dave Bruney's squad.
The 6-2, 180-pounder was the place kicker and punter for three years.
He was All-OVAC and All-Times Leader each of the past three seasons.
Along with football, Padyjasek was a standout on the track, earning All-Ohio this past season in the high hurdles.
Padyjasek, who is the son of the Rich and Peggy Padyjasek, will attend Seton Hill University to run track.
TANNER ROLLER, Cambridge - This Bobcat product was a standout on both offense and defense for former coach Rick Goodrich's team.
The 5-8, 185-pounder finished his career with 235 tackles, including 90 last season.
Roller was a first-team All-OVAC, All-ECOL, All-Eastern District and third team All-Ohio selection.
Along with football, Roller was active in baseball and wrestling for Cambridge.
Tanner, who is the son of Tim and Cheryl Roller of Cambridge, will attend Mt. Union.
JUWAN WHETSTONE, Bellaire - This Big Reds' standout was a force at wide receiver and in the secondary for Davis' squad.
The 5-8, 160-pounder ranked third in the OVAC in receiving yards last season en route to earning All-OVAC, all-district and All-Times Leader honors.
Along with football, Whetstone was one of the area's premier 100 meter dashers. He qualified for the state meet and narrowly missed a berth in the state finals.
